Asasira on Cultivating Success and Empowering Youth through Agro-tourism

The journey towards changing perceptions and revitalizing the agriculture industry began with a simple idea – to foster a thriving agribusiness ecosystem that would empower not only the youth but also marginalized communities. This vision culminated in the establishment of BRIS AGRO SAFARIS (BAS), a dynamic and fully registered company, with roots deepened by the Agribusiness Apprenticeship Program (AgAP) initiated by the Michigan Fellows Africa Initiative (MFAI) Uganda. This transformative experience laid the foundation for BAS, which emerged as a beacon of change in the agribusiness landscape in October 2021.

BAS, led by a passionate female entrepreneur, embarked on a mission to reshape perspectives and mentor individuals in embracing agriculture as a lucrative and sustainable livelihood. The core of BAS’s offerings revolves around the innovative concept of agro-tourism, seamlessly integrating education, motivation, and practical training. Our comprehensive suite of services includes enriching farm tours, practical farm training sessions, accessible online agribusiness courses, urban farming workshops, urban garden setups, tantalizing food tourism experiences, astute agribusiness marketing solutions, and expert consultancy services.

In under two years, BAS has cultivated a significant impact, resonating deeply within the younger generation through its enlightening monthly agribusiness talks, immersive farm visits, and community outreach initiatives. Witnessing the ripple effects of our efforts, individuals, including children, have embarked on their urban gardening journeys, reaping the rewards of urban farming expertise imparted through our trainings. Elevating accessibility, BAS conducts complimentary monthly online agribusiness talks, featuring industry experts who share diverse insights on agricultural entrepreneurship. Our digital presence further extends to social media platforms, amplifying knowledge dissemination and offering farmers a virtual marketplace to showcase their produce.

Moreover, BAS has forged symbiotic partnerships with farmers across the nation, effectively augmenting their livelihoods. Agro-tourism acts as a conduit for these farmers to earn supplemental income through farm entrance fees, specialized training sessions, and the sale of produce to agro-tourists. Our commitment to inclusivity is exemplified by a pioneering campaign, aimed at integrating persons with disabilities into agribusiness. This initiative not only educates persons with disabilities in urban farming but also empowers them to establish, manage, and sustain their urban gardens. Beyond nourishing themselves and their families with fresh, organic produce, they generate surplus for sale, diversifying their income streams.

As the visionary founder and CEO of BAS, I firmly believe that the potential to redefine the perceptions of agriculture is boundless. Looking ahead, our aspirations encompass establishing an agribusiness training center, a farm lodge, and a model farm. These ventures will create a holistic agro-tourism haven, inviting children, students, and diverse individuals to embark on an immersive journey, unraveling the profound beauty and opportunities within the world of agribusiness.

In the spirit of progress, collaboration, and cultivation, BAS continues to sow the seeds of transformation, nurturing a future where agriculture thrives as a source of prosperity, innovation, and sustainable livelihoods.